Quote Originally Posted by jmm99 View Post
(Sociopath don't quite do it) for me because I think immediately of sociopaths as we think of that term in the criminal justice system - serial criminals (whether murder, rape, robbery or theft), who lack any empathy and are extremely self-centered.
Your prerogative to think of it in that manner -- and logical that you should do so. Not being burdened by being a Lawyer or a Psychologist, I do not have to be so precise. I use the term to indicate those tendencies that mirror your description, lacking empathy and being self centered and I contend that about half the people I have known in an overlong life have those traits to one extent or another. Quite obviously, the full blown legal and psychologically diagnosed Sociopath in the strictest sense of the term is not a desirable person -- and would, as you say, not be good as a Soldier.

However, as I said, we are all blends of numerous pathologies and traits both inherited and acquired so some of the sociopathic tendencies serve to insulate an individual from the horror of war -- or allow him or her to better accept the reality of war and deal with it. I mentioned several experiments that have indicated that those who can accept violence as opposed to those who categorically reject it or are repelled to such an extent that they literally freeze momentarily can be identified by various assessments including MRI scans.
There are personality types (probably galore) who can hack violence - even when it is of the cold-blooded kind. I think of three friends over the years (two still with us in the Copper Country) who were Marine snipers in Nam and who seem to have been relatively untouched by the experience. If anything, it seems to have been a positive thing - that from an outside observer who is not into their heads, but just a guy who drank a fair amount of beer with them.

On the other hand, there are personality types (again probably galore) who cannot hack violence. And, a bunch in between. So, it would seem useful to expand on some personality profiles as you guys know them (no need for shrink jargon).
More elegantly said than by me but that's the point...
I conclude that what you must mean as "sociopathic traits" are different from how I would use the term as a lawyer.
Certainment!
If what Reed said was meant, it seems to me that "sociopathic traits" or lack of same is an issue which is far from off-topic - since the support required will vary with the personality profile (METT-TC, to borrow from you guys).
I'd think so...